In collaboration with QLM Technology Limited and Fraunhofer UK Research Limited, Covesion is leading an 18-month project, Nonlinear Upconversion Technique for Monitoring Environmental Gases (NUTMEG). Funded by Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, this initiative will develop, construct, and test a portable greenhouse-gas (GHG) sensor for environmental monitoring. The sensor will provide highly sensitive detection of CO2, methane, NOx, and ammonia.
NUTMEG focuses on advancing optically packaged PPLN waveguides to extend their operation to mid-infrared wavelengths. It will also develop an optical upconversion system to enhance the detection of greenhouse gases and conduct field tests to validate its performance in real-world environments.
The project will build on QLM's mature gas-sensing products to provide enhanced sensitivity. The aim is for the demonstrator system to be briefcase-sized and operate at eye-safe power levels, comparing favourably with current truck-mounted alternatives.
Current gas detection technologies for CO2 and methane struggle with sensitivity, refresh rate, and resolution. NUTMEG addresses these limitations by employing laser upconversion in nonlinear PPLN waveguides. The benefit of upconversion is two-fold, it enables access to stronger gas absorption features that exist in the mid-infrared, and by converting mid-infrared signals to the near-infrared highly sensitive silicon-based single-photon detectors can be utilised.
NUTMEG has the potential to revolutionise environmental monitoring across multiple sectors:
- Industrial emissions monitoring: Providing accurate data on GHG emissions from landfills, wastewater treatment, and industrial operations.
- Agricultural and soil health assessments: Tracking gas emissions from soil to improve understanding of ecosystem health.
- Coastal and terrestrial monitoring: Enabling remote sensing of atmospheric gases from land-based stations.
- Policy and regulatory support: Offering a cost-effective solution to meet stringent emission reporting requirements.
By delivering real-time, high-precision data, NUTMEG will support industries and governments in reducing emissions, aligning with the UK’s 2050 net-zero commitments.
QLM’s existing methane detection technology will be enhanced through NUTMEG, broadening its application to include CO2, ammonia, and nitrogen-based pollutants. Covesion will expand its product portfolio by commercialising new PPLN waveguides for mid-infrared applications, creating new market opportunities in spectroscopy and gas sensing.
Fraunhofer will also play a crucial role in the NUTMEG project, providing advanced research, testing, and prototyping expertise to support the development of the sensor system. With extensive experience in optical system design and mid-infrared technologies, Fraunhofer will lead the validation of the upconversion process using PPLN waveguides, ensuring optimal efficiency and sensitivity.
Following successful validation, the NUTMEG sensor is expected to be commercially available within 12 months post-project. This innovation will position the UK at the forefront of GHG monitoring, supporting both domestic and international climate initiatives.
NUTMEG represents a major advancement in environmental sensing technology. By integrating laser upconversion, nonlinear optics, and single-photon detection, the project delivers an unparalleled solution for GHG monitoring. As the world moves towards more stringent emissions controls, the ability to monitor and mitigate greenhouse gases effectively will be crucial in achieving net-zero goals. The NUTMEG project, with its cutting-edge technology and strong industrial backing, is set to make a lasting impact on environmental monitoring and climate change mitigation.
The project has an 18-month timeframe and commences in August 2024.
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